Domestic Sharing of CT Intel Needs More Work, IC, DHS, DOJ IGs Find

By: Homeland Security Today Staff

Federal, state and local entities are committed to sharing counterterrorism information by undertaking programs and initiatives that have improved information sharing, however, the Inspectors General (IG) of the Intelligence Community (IC), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) identified in a joint report on the domestic sharing of counterterrorism information that there are numerous gaps and shortfalls in “several areas in which improvements could enhance the sharing of counterterrorism information.”

The IGs’ joint report stated that, “To share information effectively, the federal, state and local entities actively involved in counterterrorism efforts must understand each other’s roles, responsibilities and contributions, especially when multiple agencies are involved in complex investigations. The review found that this is an area where information sharing could be strengthened. For example, both DHS and the FBI have counterterrorism-related missions and a role in gathering and disseminating counterterrorism information, yet officials from both of these agencies expressed concerns about potential overlaps in law enforcement and counterterrorism missions and activities.”

“In addition,” the IGs’ report said, “although there is a national-level, interagency information sharing strategy, its implementation has been viewed to be uneven. The IGs believe that the Office of Director of Nation Intelligence (ODNI), DHS and DOJ should review the interagency information sharing agreements and take necessary actions to update intelligence information sharing standards and processes among the departments, which we believe would result in better implementation of the strategy and foster greater and more consistent cooperation."